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Galaxy denies that Landon Donovan transfer to England is a done deal

Landon Donovan, star of the U.S. national soccer team and L.A. Galaxy, is in talks about playing with Everton in England's Premier League on a loan deal, according to reports out of Europe today.

But the Galaxy just issued a statement saying that Everton is "one of a number of clubs who have contacted the Galaxy about the possibility of a short-term loan agreement for Landon."

Donovan, 27, is looking for an overseas winter-time loan deal similar to that of Galaxy teammate David Beckham, who is joining AC Milan in January. Although Beckham is obviously the bigger star, he will be 35 when the World Cup starts in June, and he's trying to stay in shape to secure a spot on England's Cup team.

However, Donovan is a mainstay on the U.S. national team and his would-be loan is more of an effort to see whether he can find a permanent spot with a European club. Donovan has played in Germany, including last winter for FC Bayern.

-- Barry Stavro

Photo: Landon Donovan fights for the ball with Spain's Sergio Ramos during the U.S.-Spain semifinals game in the Confederations Cup in South Africa in June. Credit: Paul Thomas / Associated Press